Topic: Mystery Maltese Glass - Mdina/Michael Harris?

[Greg.]

Sorry, for any confusion I was agreeing that Anthony's piece at the a the start of the thread being definitely by Harris.

I just got an email from Ron, who kindly responded to my query about the Chalice, which seems to echo Christine's thoughts.

To paraphrase Ron's email. Indeed the Chalice is a modification of Michaels earlier design as produced by Joseph Said, so the style and date match.

It would appear that Elizabeth has not owned a Said goblet and also would have been back in the UK from 72. The only other thought is that coincidentally, the piece was purchased at the studio and asked by the purchaser to be signed by the 'Betty' in the their life.

Finally, Elizabeth Harris, was only known as either Liz or Elizabeth and Betty would not appear to have any reference to her.

Hope this helps.

[Greg.]

Thought I would pop this is in a separate thread.

So it would appear that the most likely outcome is that the 'Betty' wording on the chalice is probably more than likely a bit of a red herring in this case. In terms of Anthony's piece at the start of the thread, I would guess, although Elizabeth is not known as 'Betty', it is certainly much more likely in this case given the date and the personal inscription.

Unless a different mystery Betty materialises the above certainly seems the most plausible explanation.
 

[Lustrousstone]

Sometimes friends or family have pet names for people that they are not generally known by. My nephew calls me Chrissy, no one else does. Maybe Elizabeth Harris was "Betty" to whoever the dedication was to.

[chopin-liszt]

And it's most definitely not in Michael Harris' handwriting.
I'm the only person who calles Michael "Michael" (apart from his Mum, I discovered later) - everybody else calls him Mike.

Here are some images of Michael Harris chalices - knooped by Papa Boffo.

[flying free]

ah so, confusion over the wording in Greg's post - I couldn't work out how it could be a Michael Harris goblet but signed 1974 
Sue your goblets are stunning!  gorgeous colours.
m

[chopin-liszt]

They're quite, quite different to the Said ones - and a lot bigger.

I just thought I'd shove some images into the public arena - given it seems that early chalices rarely make an appearance. 

[Greg.]

This piece instantly reminded me of this thread as soon as I laid eyes on it. 

Interestingly, the base is completely concave where it has been ground.

Measures 4.5 inches wide and 2.75 inches tall.

[glassobsessed]

Wow, fabulous. The big green eyed envy monster is lurking here...

That would sit very nicely with my inside outs!

John

[chopin-liszt]

As soon as I laid eyes on it I thought; "How similar (but far, far nicer) to the plain yellow sort of inside-out you have that came from my collection, John". The polished-out full round pontil mark is unusual for this sort of early period - this is cobalt blue, but the rest of it is spot on perfect, and I'm a very green-eyed monster too, Greg. Fabulous.

[glassobsessed]

Similar bubbly top to the vase at the start of this thread too Sue.